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Residents,
Following an incident that occurred where players from the women's football team, Screamer Alliance WFC, where subjected to racial abuse - Police from Barnsbury Safer Neighbourhood Team and Islington Police Station sought to ensure residents and users of Barnard Park were reassured and this abhorrent behaviour deterred.
Lead by myself as the ward sergeant, Barnsbury SNT increased existing patrols within Barnard Park and the surrounding area - dedicating patrols with PCs and PCSOs to specific time periods that residents have expressed concerns with due to ASB. PC Sophie O’Driscoll of St Mary’s & St James’ SNT (who in addition to her role as a ward officer, works Arsenal football games with the MPS taking part in an anti-Violence against women and girls (VAWG) initiative) was tasked to deliver an informal input to give guidance and advice to the Screamer Alliance players. This turned into a planned game of football between police and the players (including Barnsbury SNT’s replacement for PC Barrie Mitchell – transferring from Bunhill SNT; PC Artur Gajevskij) which took place on Saturday 11th October. The team was also joined by local MP, Dame Emily Thornberry, and Islington Mayor, Councillor Jason Jackson (they did not partake in the football).
Officers volunteered their own time during their break to take part and although they would’ve liked to play on for a whole 90 minutes, unfortunately duty called and were tasked to support our Emergency Response Team last weekend.
We have taken on board the issues raised by the players and looking to continue our work with the community and partners, such as Islington Council, to keep Barnsbury a safe and thriving community.
Immediate actions have already been put in place, including prioritising a police presence in Barnard Park during the football games on weekends and encouraging and advising on correct reporting procedures (specifically live incidents) for partners and residents.
Tomorrow I will be attending Huntingdon Street to speak with residents about their concerns. If you are a Huntingdon Street Resident and not already in touch with other residents meeting me tomorrow, please contact me and I can provide the details.
Photo: PS Maningas and members of the community attending Barnard Park Football Pitches on the first Screamer Alliance WFC training session after the hate incident (Councillor Rowena Champion was also in attendance)
Photo: Islington SNT officers and Screamer Alliance WFC (including PC Artur Gajevskij, Barnsbury SNT – laying on the pitch) (along with Dame Emily Thornberry MP and Mayor Jason Jackson) Best Vinnie | 
